TOPIC: BEWARE OF THE SPIRIT OF OFFENSE
(LET NO ONE TAKE YOUR CROWN
The bible reminds us that time is short.
I’ve reflected on this deeply, and I’ve made a decision: I won’t let anyone take my crown.
Rev 3:10-13(NLT)10 “Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world. 11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown. 12 All who are victorious will become pillars in the Temple of my God, and they will never have to leave it. And I will write on them the name of my God, and they will be citizens in the city of my God—the new Jerusalem that comes down from heaven from my God. And I will also write on them my new name. 13 “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.
One of the most powerful position you can take when facing hurt is the posture Jesus demonstrated: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing”
Luke 23:34(NLT)34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing….”
The deepest pain often comes from believing that those who hurt us know what they’re doing. But the truth is, people can only act according to the level of revelation they have received.
Longevity depends on how you deal with the Spirit of offense.
This spirit is toxic. It harms our health and inflicts damage not only on those who carry it but also on those who receive it.
If you want to develop a heart free from offense, you must intentionally cultivate a heart that refuses to harbor resentment.
Leave vengeance to God. Don’t take matters into your own hands.
Rom 12:17-19(KJV)17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
Deut 32:35(NIV)35 It is mine to avenge; I will repay. In due time their foot will slip; their day of disaster is near and their doom rushes upon them.”
Be alert and mark those who spread offense—even within the church—such as gossips, tale-bearers, and slanderers.
In other not to be contaminated by the spirit of offence, the scriptures says (mark them, watch out for them, avoid them) which cause division among you – This means we must be aware and recognize individuals who are creating problems and discord within the body of Christ.
Why should we avoid them? The bible says divisive individuals are not serving the Lord but their own desires, which shows that their actions are motivated by personal gains rather than the well being of the church
Rom 16:17-20(NLT)17 And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. 18 Such people are not serving Christ our Lord; they are serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words they deceive innocent people. 19 But everyone knows that you are obedient to the Lord. This makes me very happy. I want you to be wise in doing right and to stay innocent of any wrong. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
Avoid the influence of those who are causing division, their influence doesn’t come from God.
2 Thess 3:6(KJV)6 Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.
V14-15(KJV)14 And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.15 Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
This verse is often sighted to support the idea that God hates those who cause division
Prov 6:16(TLB)16-19 For there are six things the Lord hates-no, seven: haughtiness, lying, murdering, plotting evil, eagerness to do wrong, a false witness, sowing discord among brothers.
The ultimate goal is to maintain unity and avoid conflict.
Eph 4:3-4(RSV)3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
When you’re facing the temptation to take offense or when you’re making decisions, pause and ask yourself: How does this affect God?
Learn to recognize when you’re being triggered. Acknowledge that a spirit of offense may be at play in your heart
2 Cor 6:3-10(KJV)3 Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:4 But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses,5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;6 By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned,7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,8 By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true;9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; 10 As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.
Remember jealousy and greed are often at the root of offense.
Matt 13:53-58(NLT)53 When Jesus had finished telling these stories and illustrations, he left that part of the country. 54 He returned to Nazareth, his hometown. When he taught there in the synagogue, everyone was amazed and said, “Where does he get this wisdom and the power to do miracles?” 55 Then they scoffed, “He’s just the carpenter’s son, and we know Mary, his mother, and his brothers—James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas. 56 All his sisters live right here among us. Where did he learn all these things?” 57 And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him.Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family.” 58 And so he did only a few miracles there because of their unbelief.
And your inner anger often surfaces when you’re around those you struggle to forgive.
Prov 12:16(TLB)16 A fool is quick-tempered; a wise man stays cool when insulted.
But there is hope. Even now, a miraculous healing can begin in your heart as I speak to you.
Ezek 18:31-32(TLB)31 Put them behind you and receive a new heart and a new spirit. For why will you die, O Israel? 32 I do not enjoy seeing you die,” the Lord God says. “Turn, turn and live!
Prov 10:12(TPT) Hatred keeps old quarrels alive, but love draws a veil over every insult and finds a way to make sin disappear.
Strive to be patient.
Prov 19:11(TLB)11 A wise man restrains his anger and overlooks insults. This is to his credit.
Are you finding it hard to forgive, even after the offender has apologized?
Col 3:12-17(NLT)12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
Matt 18:15-16(NLT)15 “If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back.
